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Chief Economist Jack Kyser Dies At 76

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Jack Kyser, former chief economist at the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corp., died today at age 76.

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Kyser retired from LAEDC over the summer, and was serving as a chief economic adviser for the Southern California Association of Governments. For many years, he was an oft-quoted expert on the Southland's financial well-being.

"Today I share in the sadness of many as we learned of the passing of Jack Kyser," SCAG President Larry McCallon said. "He was a consummate professional, remarkable scholar and a dear friend. Southern California has lost a true champion in Jack. His passion, integrity, knowledge and devotion to the study of economics have aided in the development of countless public and private sector contributions.

"Jack's unique ability to work across sectors and engage diverse groups of stakeholders will be admired and will surely be a part of his continued legacy," he said.

A Huntington Park native, Kyser earned his master's degree at USC. Prior to joining LAEDC in 1991, Kyser worked for Security Pacific National Bank, First Interstate Bank and Union Pacific Railroad in Omaha, Neb. He taught economics at the University of Nebraska and was a business commentator on radio station KVNO in Omaha.

Kyser also worked for eight years as an economist with the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce.

LAEDC President/CEO Bill Allen called Kyser a "tireless champion of Los Angeles County."

(©2010 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

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